Neurodivergence (ND) has become a popular topic in recent years, with many people diagnosed with autism or ADHD – or something else like dyslexia or dyspraxia – later in life. This topic is close to my heart because a few years ago I realized I was neurodivergent.
The reason for the late discovery for many people is that it has largely been discovered that neurodivergent children learn to ‘mask’ themselves to fit in – especially in little girls. This was true for me – I learned to adapt and mold my sensitive self in society, mimicking the behavior of others and ignoring my needs – until I eventually developed sensory overload. When I found out I was autistic a few years ago, it felt like an enlightening “aha” moment, because suddenly the way I had navigated life and the challenges I had faced (burnout, emotional overwhelm , deep sensitivity, stress over things changing at the last minute, and challenges with intimacy) all finally made sense.
Since then I have been through a period of recovery for myself and my ND. And I have a radically different view from the mainstream lens, which often sees definitions like autism or ADHD as meaning you’re “broken” in some way. I started looking into the research that sees neurodivergence as a gift – which may sound radical, but as our world evolves, it needs the different skills of ND people (sensitivity, genius and creativity).
Please don’t get me wrong: for many with severe neurodivergence, it can be quite challenging to navigate; and yet for many of us who have ND, I want to shine a light on a different view of the gifts it brings – and also how we can support any neurodivergence with aromatherapy.
So what is ‘neurodivergence’ (or ND) – and how can we sustain ourselves with nature’s essential oils if we’ve discovered it by chance?
What is neurodivergence?
The term “neurodivergence” is literally another word for having a brain that works differently than the “neurotypical” person – a deviation in neurological function from what is considered “normal.” This differently functioning brain means that people with ND have different challenges – and different strengths – than what we typically know or accept in society. Unfortunately, this often means that ‘divergence’ in the modern world is often described as a ‘learning challenge’.
Typically, some of the most common neurodiversities include:
- ADHD – which in an overwhelming, busy modern world can manifest as sensitivity, easily distracted, concentration problems, boredom by routine, challenge to concentrate, hyperactivity.
- Autism spectrum disorder (once known as Aspergers) – which in an overwhelming, busy modern world can manifest as deep sensitivity, having obsessions, intense focus, difficulty expressing emotions, not wanting to be as social, preferring equality, being overwhelmed touch.
- Dyslexia – which can manifest itself as difficulty processing words, problems with reading.
- Dyscalculia – which can manifest as difficulty processing numbers, challenges with math.
- Dyspraxia – which can manifest as difficulty with coordination.
However, these ‘differences’, which are often overlooked, are also strengths. For example, people with ND tend to be sensitive and that brings unique gifts such as exceptional creativity and artistry, brilliant minds with the ability for pattern recognition and complex problem solving, hyperfocus and excellent attention to detail, excellent memory – and much more.
The challenges that come with being an ND often arise simply because it is challenging to have diverse brains and live in a world designed for – and more accepting of – neurotypical brains. And that doesn’t mean we have to conform and learn to diverge less; often those with the ‘label’ of autism or ADHD are here to be the brilliant, sensitive magical leaders and talented leaders, who can bring truly unique gifts to the world. In fact, many famous and talented people are neurodivergent – including artist Van Gough, inventor Nikola Tesla, Oscar winner Antony Hopkins and climate activist Greta Thunberg.
This is quite a radical stance, so to own our ND in this way requires us to take a deep responsibility to meet our sensitive needs and honor our own unique and brilliant gifts. It’s important that we do this because some researchers have shared that things like neurodivergence are part of human evolution.
As we grow to love the gifts of our differently wired brains, we can begin to tap into our highly sensitive senses, our superpower of empathy (yes, we’re not considered empathetic, but it’s actually the opposite), our love of data and patterns and colors and words, our creative genius and our brilliant minds to create a better world (just look at the list of famous people and what they created).
Which essential oils can help support neurodivergence?
That said, we still live in a mundane world that can be overwhelming for sensitive neurodivergent people. Therefore, we must learn to meet our needs and support ourselves with nature’s medicine.
Here are my top essential oils to support some of the common challenges of neurodivergence in the modern world:
High sensitivity
Neurodivergence is closely linked to high sensitivity, so oils that will calm your nervous system and restore a sense of relaxation and calm are your best friend:
Spreading mixture: Mix 4 drops of lavender, 2 drops of chamomile and 1 drop of vetivert in water in a candle burner or electric diffuser and diffuse throughout the day as needed, for up to 30 minutes at a time – especially if you feel like your senses are particularly overloaded.
Fear and overwhelm
The anxiety and overwhelm of living in a modern world with diverse brains is often one of the challenges that leads people to a diagnosis – so essential oils that help calm your anxiety and overwhelm are very helpful:
Massage mixture: Mix 3 drops of bergamot, 2 drops of balm and 1 drop of clary sage in 15 ml of grapeseed oil and mix well. Use this as a massage oil when you feel anxiety creeping in – whether it takes 30 minutes to fully massage your body or – if you’re on the go – you can just add a few dabs to your pulse points.
Depression
If people with neurodivergence do not take their sensitive needs into account, they can often suffer from depression and low mood. Many essential oils can help uplift you, including:
Body Oil Blend: Mix 3 drops of Patchouli, 2 drops of Cedarwood and 1 drop of Geranium in 15 ml of Grape Seed Oil and mix well. If you are feeling low, especially if you wake up feeling down, use this mixture as a body oil to pamper yourself after your morning bath or shower.
Focus and processing
Whether you’re hyper-focused or not feeling focused at all, there are essential oils that can help you better balance your focus and process. These include:
Spritz mixture: Mix 20 drops of lemon, 6 drops of rosemary and 4 drops of peppermint in 100 ml of orange blossom hydrosol or water, in a spray bottle, and use it as a spritz throughout the day if you have difficulty concentrating or processing.
Chronic fatigue and burnout
Often people with ND can experience deep fatigue as they try to fit into a world that is different and does not meet their sensitive needs. Essential oils that can help heal this fatigue and burnout include:
Bath mixture: Mix 3 drops of Sweet Orange, 2 drops of Basil and 1 drop of Sandalwood in 15 ml of Bath Oil or Shower Gel and pour into the warm running water of your bath. Close all windows and doors, make sure you are undisturbed and sit in your bath and breathe in the scents as you relax.
Emotional meltdown
Finally, neurodivergent people can often experience high levels of emotions and become overwhelmed because they are so sensitive (often they feel ashamed of this, but it makes perfect sense and is very welcome). The key is actually to learn to manage our needs. more sensitive needs, but in the midst of an emotional breakdown it can be helpful to support with emotionally nurturing oils such as:
Inhaler mixture: Place 1 drop of Cypress, 1 drop of Rose and 1 drop of Ylang Ylang on a cotton pad and roll it into an aromatherapy inhaler. Put this in your bag and when you feel the intensity of overwhelm and emotional breakdown, take 5 minutes to inhale your sniffer stick, inhaling for a count of 4 and exhaling for a count of 8.
These blends are truly designed to support and alleviate some of the overwhelming sensations that so many neurodivergent people feel, and to help you recognize and fulfill some of your deeper sensitive needs – which are so completely welcome.
Enjoy – and we’d love to hear how you’re doing.
Nicole Barton
Advisor Aromatherapist
Disclaimer and safety advice
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